: : : I read a post from someone on the UUC Digest last week that in effect said all 540's made after 5/95 had the updated engine block to prevent the sulfur degradation problems we have all learned so much about. I just got off the phone with a BMW NA rep who confirmed that fact. I was flabergasted, to say the least! I had a leakdown test performed on my car at 35,000 miles just to check, and the dealer obviously didn't know this fact either. I have not talked with my dealer about this yet, but intend to. If you wish to call BMW to verify, the number is (800) 831-1117, then press "1", then "4" to get to the customer rep dept. While I am not taking this as 100% gospel, it is helping me to feel better, as my car has 54,000 miles, runs great, and was made in 10-95.

: : : The best way to identify whether you have the Nikasil block is to read the code off the engine block. I have a '95 530i which came into service 11/95 (not sure of the manufacture date) and it has the "older" engine.

: : See http://frontpage.bestweb.net/~bretta/v8shortblock.htm for the codes.

: Yeah, I forgot to mention that Brett Anderson has the codes, but I also forgot to mention that I've tried to read mine but can't even SEE the block on the right side without taking off more stuff than I want to even think about!

I know - I saw the codes only when the car was on the lift when I got it inspected before purchasing. I held a penlight up in the block and read the codes off to the mechanic. It's not easy to see.